The inclusion of these language programs marks a significant departure from the traditional Chinese-language performances that have dominated the Gala in previous years. While some may see this as a bold and progressive move, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the Gala's cultural identity.
The rise of Li Gangren in the commercial sphere reflects a larger trend in modern football, where players are not only judged by their performance on the pitch but also by their marketability and commercial appeal. In an era where social media and digital marketing play a crucial role in shaping a player's brand, Li's success serves as a prime example of how a relatively underrated player can leverage technology and fan engagement to boost his commercial value.The University of Michigan announced it will no longer require applicants for faculty jobs, promotions and tenure to submit statements on their commitment to diversity. Provost Laurie McCauley made the decision following a recommendation from an eight-member faculty group, according to the school. The group reviewed “public literature” on the topic and analyzed nearly 2,000 responses to a faculty survey on the matter. “Most responding faculty agreed that diversity statements put pressure on faculty to express specific positions on moral, political or social issues,” the university said of the survey. “Slightly more disagreed than agreed that diversity statements allow an institution to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by cultivating DEI in the faculty.” The diversity statements were criticized for the way they potentially “limit freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus,” the school wrote. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university. Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people,” McCauley wrote in a statement on the school’s decision. “As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” Though the university had not previously issued strict rules about requiring diversity declarations, it noted they arose due to a “decentralized and heterogeneous culture” surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts on campus. “Critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially relevant issues, and serve as a ‘litmus test’ of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable,” the faculty group’s report reads. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members.” The working group also recommended the school incorporate DEI content into “research and service statements” and provide faculty members with training on how to write these materials. The university did not implement those recommendations, it said. “The provost’s office will continue to work with campus leaders and faculty to identify ways to help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in classrooms, labs and performance spaces,” the school added. The move comes amid sweeping changes to diversity initiatives across higher education. The University of Kentucky and University of Nebraska in August each disbanded their diversity offices. Other schools have also abandoned their diversity statement requirements this year, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it's clear that technology will continue to play a central role in our lives. The pace of change shows no signs of slowing down, and new innovations are constantly reshaping the way we work, play, and interact with one another. The rapid advancement of technologies like virtual reality, blockchain, and quantum computing promise to usher in a new wave of possibilities, while also raising new ethical and societal questions that we must grapple with.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto defamed ousted Liberal MP Moira Deeming, the Federal Court has found, in a high-stakes judgment that could cost him his job. Pesutto was ordered to pay Deeming $300,000 for the damage to her reputation in a damning judgment that found he had defamed her on five separate occasions. Independent MP Moira Deeming (centre) pictured arriving at court ahead of the judgment. Credit: AAPIMAGE Deeming alleged she had been “tarred with the Nazi brush” as part of Pesutto’s “campaign” to expel her from the parliamentary Liberal Party, her barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC, had told the court. Deeming, who now sits on the crossbench of the Victorian Parliament, had helped organise the Let Women Speak rally on March 18, 2023. Neo-Nazis were among several groups of protesters that arrived at the steps of parliament that day. She condemned the men, said they were not there to support her cause, and told the court she did not see them until they were escorted away by police. Pesutto moved to expel Deeming from the parliamentary party in the following days. She was instead suspended in a last-minute compromise, but was ultimately expelled weeks later, after threatening to bring in lawyers. Handing down his decision on Thursday after hearing more than three weeks of evidence that damaged the party room and threatened stability, Justice David O’Callaghan agreed Pesutto had defamed Deeming. Rumblings to overthrow Pesutto in October did not amount to anything, but many in the party room had privately accepted that a loss for Pesutto would make his position as leader untenable.
HP, Dell's weak forecasts spark share selloff, doubts over PC market recovery
The Seattle Seahawks placed leading rusher Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and signed George Holani off the practice squad on Thursday afternoon. Walker had been ruled out earlier in the day ahead of Thursday's game against the host Chicago Bears. He returned from a two-game absence due to an ailing calf on Sunday before injuring his ankle in the Seahawks' 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Zach Charbonnet is set to shoulder the load in the backfield for the Seahawks (8-7), who have lost two in a row heading into Thursday's game against the Bears (4-11). Seattle is in a must-win situation. Even if the Seahawks can top Chicago and beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, they still might miss out on the postseason because of the strength-of-victory tiebreaker. Walker, 24, leads Seattle in carries (153) and rushing yards (573) to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. Charbonnet, 23, has a team-best eight rushing touchdowns to go along with 106 carries for 453 yards. Holani, who turned 25 on Dec. 16, has three carries for 10 yards in three games this season. He is an undrafted rookie out of Boise State. The Seahawks also ruled out tight end Brady Russell (foot) and safety K'Von Wallace (ankle) for Thursday's game. Cornerback Artie Burns was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the contest. The Bears will be without defensive backs Elijah Hicks (ankle/foot) and Tarvarius Moore (knee), running back Travis Homer (hamstring) and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (calf). --Field Level MediaBomb threats target Trump nominees, FBI says
The "East-Facing House" held a special place in our hearts. It was the place where we had raised our children, celebrated milestones, and forged memories that were etched into the very walls. Its eastern orientation provided us with glorious sunrises, bathing the rooms in a warm, golden glow each morning. We would often sit on the porch, sipping coffee and watching the world awaken around us.
Manchester United are reportedly set to embark on a major shake-up this summer as they look to offload their star striker in a bid to make room for a top-class forward. Rumors are swirling that the club is willing to part ways with their talismanic goal scorer, with reports suggesting that no expense will be spared in their pursuit of a new attacking talent.Man arrested for assault on South Carolina congresswomanNDP Ready to Open ‘Gates’ to Pass Liberal GST Holiday Bill Separate From $250 Rebate
A rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show, will not affect the league’s relationship with the music mogul. “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” NFL (National Football League) commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday after the conclusion of the league’s winter meetings. “We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.” A woman who previously sued musician Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13 years old, amended the lawsuit on Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, said the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The 24-time Grammy Award winner called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement released by Roc Nation. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Kendrick Lamar will perform the Super Bowl halftime show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9. Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Beyonce, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game at Christmas. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Mr Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”Eagles make roster move at key position which hints at Jalen Hurts' status for Week 17
Invitation to dream big about future use of the old Richmond Colliery site